Why does a cat have dirty ears?

Even long-haired cats clean themselves with such diligence that one can only envy them. They reach the most inaccessible places, but not their ears—only humans can clean those.

Dirt inside the ears is a common sign of illness, namely the presence of a parasite known as ear miteLet's figure out how to combat this phenomenon and save your pet from the fate of a perpetually dirty-eared cat.

Meet the Parasite

Ear mites are tiny parasites that live and reproduce in the ears of cats and other animals. Animals become infected through direct contact with an infected animal or its personal items. In some cases, humans act as hosts. The parasite waits for its victims, lingering on clothing and even hands.

How does infection occur?

The mite attaches itself to the cat's external ear canal and immediately begins feeding on the epidermis of the inner ear. The skin is damaged, and fluid begins to leak from the damaged areas. This dried fluid is the notorious mite.

How to treat

Ear mite, aka otodectosis, are treated in various ways. Among the known methods, the following are worth mentioning:

• insecticidal spray, and if the ticks have moved to the body, drops on the withers;
• ear cleaner;
• drops;
• ointment.

If you're choosing between drops or a spray, it's better to choose the spray. It can be used not only on your cat's dirty ears but also in the animal's main area, such as a box. When choosing a product, the following are preferred:

1. Dermatozol.
2. Psoroptol.
3. Fipronil.
4. Cyodrin.

Essentially, there's a fairly wide selection of sprays for skin parasites. So, you'll probably find something at the store. There's no particular priority in this regard.

The key here is not to confuse ear mites with another condition. For example, a yeast infection in a cat's ears produces similar symptoms—dark discharge (exudate). Incorrect use of ear mite medications can easily worsen the situation. Therefore, if you're unsure, consult a veterinarian.

Other causes of dirty ears

Some cat breeds have large ears, which are natural dust collectors. This is also a common problem in Sphynx cats. However, even a normal ear can become clogged with dust over time, settling in the auricle. If too much dirt accumulates, the animal's internal defenses kick in. This involves increased earwax production, resulting in a buildup of dirt.

In some cases, the activity of the cerumen gland is unaffected by external irritants, so dirty ears can occur in cats that are constantly kept in a clean home. This most often affects breeds with little or no hair on their ears, which is the animal's natural defense against external influences. Such ears should be cleaned regularly.

My cat has dirty ears, what should I do?

What do you do with dirt? Remove it properly. The question is how to do it correctly without harming your cat. Let's look at step-by-step instructions for properly cleaning dirty ears in cats.

The main rule is to take your time and do everything carefully. Remember, you're working on an important and sensitive area of ​​the cat's body.

First, bend your cat's ear back, trying to turn it as far as possible, but until it resists naturally. If you're using gel or ointment, don't squeeze it into the ear. Use a cotton swab dipped in the medication for this.

There's a common misconception that it's possible to rupture an animal's eardrum—this is a myth. Naturally, you don't need to push the cotton swab all the way into your pet's ear; a depth of one centimeter is sufficient. However, caution is still necessary, as clumsy handling can cause pain.

The next trick is to move the swab outward. Failure to do this can simply push the dirt deeper into the animal's ear.

If a mite or other ear infection is to blame for your cat's dirty ears, hold off on premature "treatment." In this case, take your cat to the veterinarian before cleaning. A diagnosis and veterinarian's advice are essential in this case, as the effectiveness of treatment depends on proper cleaning.

Now you know why your cat's ears are dirty inside, and you can easily solve the problem of cleaning them. What's more, all the suggested procedures are extremely simple and accessible. They won't take much of your time, and your pet will be very grateful.

You can also ask our website's staff veterinarian a question, who will answer them as quickly as possible in the comments box below.

Read also:

• Do cats and kittens need their ears cleaned and how to do it correctly?
• How often can you bathe cats?
• Dermatitis in cats